Pool A of the 2011 Rugby World Cup began on 9 September 2011 and was completed on 2 October 2011.

The pool was composed of hosts New Zealand, the fourth-placed team from 2007, France; as well as Canada, Japan and Tonga.

One of the biggest shocks in the history of the tournament came when Tonga beat France by 19 points to 14.

[1] On 3 October 2011, it was announced that New Zealand winger Richard Kahui had been voted the Player of Pool A.

[2] All times are local New Zealand time (UTC+12 until 24 September, UTC+13 from 25 September[3]) Man of the Match: Richard Kahui (New Zealand) Touch judges: Craig Joubert (South Africa) Stuart Terheege (England) Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy) Man of the Match: James Arlidge (Japan) Touch judges: Alain Rolland (Ireland) Stuart Terheege (England) Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy) Man of the Match: Adam Kleeberger (Canada) Touch judges: Steve Walsh (Australia) Stuart Terheege (England) Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy) Man of the Match: Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand) Touch judges: Alain Rolland (Ireland) Jérôme Garcès (France) Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy) Man of the Match: Louis Picamoles (France) Touch judges: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand) Vinny Munro (New Zealand) Television match official: Matt Goddard (Australia) Man of the Match: Michael Leitch (Japan) Touch judges: Alain Rolland (Ireland) Stuart Terheege (England) Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy) Man of the Match: Israel Dagg (New Zealand) Touch judges: George Clancy (Ireland) Carlo Damasco (Italy) Television match official: Graham Hughes (England) Man of the Match: Sione Vatuvei (Japan) Touch judges: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand) Vinny Munro (New Zealand) Television match official: Matt Goddard (Australia) Man of the Match: Sione Kalamafoni (Tonga) Touch judges: Dave Pearson (England) Carlo Damasco (Italy) Television match official: Matt Goddard (Australia) Man of the Match: Jerome Kaino (New Zealand) Touch judges: Steve Walsh (Australia) Carlo Damasco (Italy) Television match official: Matt Goddard (Australia)